Arsenal manager defends his own lack of signings by suggesting United over-spent on French youngster

Arsene Wenger has defended Arsenal’s inactivity in the transfer market by questioning the amount of money Manchester United have spent on Anthony Martial.

Arsenal were the only club in Europe’s top five leagues not to sign a single outfield player this summer, having just added goalkeeper Petr Cech to last season’s squad.

United were among the biggest spenders, but Wenger has used 19-year-old Martial as an example of how inflated the transfer market has become due to a lack of proven quality.

Martial has cost United an initial £36million from Monaco, but Wenger claims the total deal is worth £59m.

“What happened last night with Monaco, who sold Martial to Manchester United for 80million Euros, I've heard... Martial scored 11 goals in the French championship - that sums it up well,” said Arsenal manager Wenger.

"That means it's not the money that's missing at the moment, it's not the desire of investment that is missing, it's the number of players available who can strengthen the big clubs.

“The problem at the moment is finding the players that guarantee you are a better team after, and that example last night shows you very well.

“Martial is a huge talent - he's 19 years old. The investment is absolutely huge as well. It shows you that there's not many players in the world who can strengthen these teams.

“So am I happy with the investment I make? Yes, every time. I bought Sanchez, I bought Ozil, I bought Cech, I bought Gabriel last year.”